Musings of life in an area of chalk downland with its abundance of wildlife but only a few miles from London.

Saturday, 6 June 2009

Anniversary in the New Forest

The New Forest never disappoints when it comes to wildlife. We get off the beaten track and usually walk miles further than intended because we get lost but we always come back having seen something special that compensates for the aching legs. Add to this there is an abundance of my favourite animal, the horse, and I am in my element. I love it down there.

Going at this time of year is particularly enjoyable as there are so many baby animals.

Shortly after I took this photo a stallion started rounding up her and about 30 other ponies and driving them into a valley. Another young stallion was trying to join them but the 'boss' stallion wouldn't let it get anywhere near and kept chasing him back up the hill. This happened time and time again and at one point, after chasing the young stallion, the 'boss' stallion got down and rolled, something horses don't often do when alone unless they are feeling very confident. He then got up and went back to his mares. It was a definite signal saying, ' don't mess with me.' The young stallion went over and smelt where the 'boss' stallion had rolled and after that, although still following and smelling the air, he kept his distance. It was fascinating to watch. The reason for this battle of wills was this lovely mare who was in season, not a typical New Forest pony but beautiful all the same.

There were so many other interesting things; lots of birds, dragonflies, reptiles and flowers, too many things to go into in one post so here are just a couple more pics of babies we came across.

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About Me

I have lived with my husband in the chalk downland valley of Biggin Hill for over 30 years. I have three children that have all grown up playing in the fields and woods around us and now I have a grandson who I can also share this special place with. I love all animals and wildlife. While living here I have kept chickens, cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, a stray guinea fowl and a stray muscovey duck but now I just have my grandson's guinea pig, numerous fish and visiting wildlife. I am a livestock volunteer with the Downlands Project that works on conserving important areas of chalk downland and other countryside management tasks in and around north east Surrey. Besides wildlife my biggest interest is anything to do with horses. I love getting comments on my posts as it makes it much more interesting and enjoyable hearing what others have to say and I will always try to post a reply.